Africa
Areas of expertise
Our clients benefit from a full service international team of sector-focused lawyers who tailor their advice to the real business issues at stake. In particular, we are experts in:
• Mining and natural resources
Our in-depth knowledge of the mining sector has enabled us to participate in numerous negotiations with operators and governmental bodies as well as with banks and investment corporations in many African countries. Services include advice on project structuring and financing, tax matters, the creation or reorganisation of groups and joint ventures, the granting and transfer of mining permits and licences and the raising of debt and equity finance for mining companies.
• Oil and gas
Our experience covers the entire sector, including upstream exploration, development and production, LNG projects, oil and gas pipelines, as well as refining, trading and distribution downstream. We assist in drafting and negotiating all related agreements and have specific expertise in major litigation. We have been involved in numerous projects in Africa, in particular offshore West Africa and North Africa.
• Corporate and project finance
We provide both day-to-day advice – such as company secretarial, reorganisation and tax advice – as well as on more strategic projects including M&A, takeovers and private equity investments. Our capital markets team advise both issuers and sponsors on fundraising on key global stock exchanges. Our project finance expertise includes the structuring of investments, creating project companies, advising on loans and security packages, and setting up investment funds and guarantee corporations across Africa.
• Services to governments
Our pan-African experience includes legal and institutional reforms, PPPs for major infrastructure projects, and privatisation operations with a view to the liberalisation of infrastructure markets, eg in the transport, water, energy and telecommunications sectors. We also have recognised expertise in OHADA law which currently applies in 16 West and Central African countries.
• Dispute resolution
We have an unparalleled reputation in the field of public international law and international dispute resolution. Recognised experts in State to State litigation, we specialise in the conduct of proceedings before the ICJ, ICSID, UNCITRAL, LCIA and ad hoc international arbitration panels. Our experience includes advising clients on sovereignty disputes, maritime boundary delimitation and investment disputes. Our team has acted on numerous international disputes involving Africa and we also assist clients in handling disputes in African State Courts and Common Court of Justice and Arbitration (CCJA).